The Digital Press

Astrophotography without tracking equipment is achievable by using short exposure times, wide-angle lenses, and stacking many images to capture clear night sky photos.

Why it matters: Enables beginners to capture stunning astrophotos affordably without expensive star tracker mounts.

The big picture: Longer exposures need tracking to avoid star trails; shorter exposures require many stacked shots for quality.

Quick takeaway: The "500 Rule" guides exposure length to prevent star trails based on lens focal length and tracking use.

Commenters say: Many appreciate the practicality of short exposures and image stacking, while some note challenges in processing many files.